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Potato growth and yield using nutrient film technique (NFT)
R M Wheeler1, C L Mackowiak, J C Sager
1The Bionetics Corporation, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899.
American Potato Journal
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Potato cultivation using nutrient film technique (NFT) shows promising tuber yields for space life support systems. This method offers viable crop production for controlled ecological environments.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Space Biology
- Hydroponics
Background:
- NASA's Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS) program requires efficient food production methods for long-duration space missions.
- Hydroponic systems, such as nutrient film technique (NFT), are being investigated for their potential in space-based agriculture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate tuber yield of potato cultivars Denali and Norland grown in NFT systems.
- To assess the feasibility of NFT for potato production within a CELSS framework.
Main Methods:
- Potato plants (cvs Denali and Norland) were cultivated in PVC trays using a continuous flowing NFT system.
- Plant spacing was varied (0.2 or 0.4 m2 per plant), and nutrient solution pH was automatically controlled with nitric acid.
- Water and nutrients were replenished manually; plants were harvested after 112 days.
Main Results:
- Denali yielded 2850-2800 g/tray, Norland yielded 1800-2400 g/tray.
- Periderm tissue injury was observed on tubers, potentially due to salt accumulation.
- Water usage was ~2 L m-2 d-1; acid usage for pH control was 18.4 ml m-2 d-1.
Conclusions:
- Continuous flowing NFT is a viable method for potato tuber production.
- Acceptable yields were achieved, supporting its use in CELSS programs.
- Further research may be needed to mitigate tuber tissue injury.